Cwicand

Cwicand is a fictional archipelago used as a setting in speculative fiction and tabletop role-playing games. In most renditions, it consists of a dozen islands arranged along a stormy seaway, with the largest landmass hosting the capital and major ports. The varied coastline features cedar forests, salt flats, and volcanic hills, creating a maritime culture shaped by frequent gales and long sea journeys.

Naming and origins: The term Cwicand is an authorial construct, with different works proposing different historical timelines and etymologies. Some tie the name to ancient seafarers, others present it as a modern federation founded after a series of maritime reforms.

Politics and society: The typical governance model is a loose confederation of island principalities or guild-led cities, governed by a rotating council that grants coastal and trade privileges. Law emphasizes navigational rights, fishing quotas, and merchant privilege. Population is depicted as diverse, with communities centered on fishing, shipbuilding, and salt production.

Economy and culture: The economy centers on sea-based trade, timber, and salt, complemented by ship repair and crafts. Cultural life often highlights maritime festivals, oral histories, and a pantheon of sea spirits. Languages and dialects vary by island, though trade lingua franca forms emerge in larger ports.

Reception and usage: Cwicand appears across novels, game modules, and fan works. Its flexible geography and political framework let authors tailor it to different genres, from political intrigue to legendary voyage narratives.